Practical Horseman and Dressage Today’s Training with the Stars: Win a Day with Boyd and Silva Martin Contest Winner Announced

March 1, 2016--Practical Horseman and Dressage Today magazines are pleased to announce the winner of their recent Training with the Stars: Win a Day with Boyd and Silva Martin contest. Daphne Soares from Long Valley, New Jersey, was chosen from a group of 10 finalists to receive a day of instruction from Olympic eventer Boyd Martin and his wife, renowned dressage rider and coach Silva Martin.

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Practical Horseman and Dressage Today, in partnership with Purina®, asked entrants to submit a 250-word essay detailing why they deserve to win a one-day educational clinic for themselves and nine of their friends at the their barn or a suitable local facility with Boyd and Silva. Ten finalists were selected out of more than 646 entries to submit five-minute videos of themselves and their horses.

In Daphne’sessay, she emphasized how the clinic would highlight her passion for riding and skill improvement, “Because I just turned 43 and still get excited—every single day—about riding like I was a kid; because I was a show jumper, then dressage rider, who found eventing in the last 10 years and became even more excited about riding (if that is possible); because I finally have the horse of a life time (5-year-old off-the-track Thoroughbred) whom I took from the track and already did Training; because I am ready to do more than just Prelim; because I have a 10-year-old boy who looks up to Boyd and needs to have male mentors in the sport (he is my groom and always rides with me); because I just moved from Maryland to New Jersey and miss my old trainer and barn family (know my old Waredaca crew would love to join me); because I have been doing the career/horse balancing act (unsuccessfully) forever; and because life’s too short and I never won a contest in my life! Ever!”

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The essays and finalists’ videos demonstrated that there are many people dedicated to learning and growing as riders and horsepeople. “That was particularly evident in both the essay and video of Daphne Soare’s,” said Practical Horseman Editor Sandra Oliynyk. “Daphne conveyed a strong sense of enthusiasm to become the best rider possible and a desire to share knowledge learned at the clinic with family and friends. This convinced us that Boyd and Silva’s lessons would have a far-reaching impact.”

"It was quite difficult narrowing down the finalists for this Win-A-Day since so many were qualified and eager for the opportunity to train with two of the sport’s finest," says Dressage Today editor Jennifer Mellace. "Daphne's entry was clearly heartfelt, and her young son's enthusiasm was also evident. This pair will gain so much from their time with Boyd and Silva, and the sport will likely benefit from this chance to foster another youngster's love of riding."

For more information on the contest, go to PracticalHorsemanMag.com/WinADayMartin and DressageToday.com/WinADayMartin.